Senior Mechanical Engineer - Robotic Surgery Systems

Intuitive; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Intuitive Surgical is a global leader in robotic-assisted surgery and minimally invasive care. We are seeking a hands-on Staff Mechanical Engineer to design and verify mechanical concepts for next‑generation surgical robots and components, integrating kinematics, actuation, and sensing.

This role offers impact in early product development within a small, innovative team. You will apply deep mechanical design expertise to develop safe, manufacturable solutions, work with cross-functional teams,

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering or related engineering or scientific discipline.
• Minimum 12 years designing mechanical engineering products or relevant experience (Robotics experience preferred).
• Experience with FDA QSR 21 CFR Part 820, ISO 13485, IEC 60601, and other related external standards.
• Experience working in medical devices or similar regulated industries.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop the mechanical hardware of new robotic systems to meet performance, manufacturability, and reliability specifications, including design, documentation, and procurement of components and subassemblies.
• Develop and implement design strategies for new products to meet target costs and performance requirements.
• Lead multi‑disciplinary technical teams on the design, requirements generation, documentation, pilot builds, and characterization for robotic joints and subsystems.
• Create detailed mechanical assemblies and prototypes with consideration for performance, first principles thinking, cost, manufacturability and safety.
• Development and documentation of mechanical design and manufacturing documentation including inspection procedures, assembly instructions, new manufacturing processes, test methods, purchase specifications, BOMs, component / assembly drawings per the company’s operating procedures.
• Provide written protocols, reports, drawings, specifications, presentations, and perform technical design reviews to solicit feedback on design activities on an ongoing basis. Contribute to budget, resource, and planning of technical projects and workstreams.
• Create and maintain SolidWorks CAD databases, including assemblies, components, and detailed drawings.
• Contribute to and make decisions based on risk assessments, industry standards, and regulatory frameworks.
• Observe pre‑clinical and clinical cases and interface with clinical experts to inform designs and identify user needs.
• Document, prepare and review patent submissions.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Electromechanical design

SolidWorks CAD

GD&T proficiency

Design for manufacturability

Regulatory awareness

Strong communication

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Supplier interaction

Education

BS/MS in Mechatronics/Mechanical/Systems Engineering

12+ years mechanical design experience (robotics preferred)

Tools

SolidWorks

Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

Job description

Intuitive Surgical is a global leader in robotic-assisted surgery and minimally invasive care. We are seeking a hands-on Staff Mechanical Engineer to design and verify mechanical concepts for next‑generation surgical robots and components, integrating kinematics, actuation, and sensing.

This role offers impact in early product development within a small, innovative team. You will apply deep mechanical design expertise to develop safe, manufacturable solutions, work with cross-functional teams,